Key Takeaways
- Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses can streamline your cycling gear by combining sunglasses, audio, and a camera into one device.
- They offer the convenience of quick photo and video capture without needing to reach for your phone.
- Open-ear speakers allow cyclists to enjoy audio while remaining aware of their surroundings.
- Despite some design drawbacks for cycling and imperfect AI, the glasses show potential for enhancing rides.
For many, weekend bike rides are a cherished escape. The author of a recent piece in TechCrunch found that their usual collection of gadgets—sunglasses, headphones, and a phone for photos—was making rides more complicated than relaxing.
Then they tried Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. These glasses unexpectedly simplified their weekend rides, merging several functions into one wearable. This experience isn’t unique; Meta reports selling millions of these devices, with sales apparently tripling in the last year.
The appeal lies in having solid Ray-Ban sunglasses that also feature a built-in camera and open-ear audio. This means snapping photos of scenic views or interesting sights is just a button-press away, a much safer alternative to fumbling with a phone mid-ride.
While the camera isn’t top-tier, it’s good enough to capture those spontaneous moments you might otherwise miss. It’s seen more as a way to take more photos overall, rather than a replacement for a phone’s camera.
One of the most used features is the open-ear speakers. These allow for listening to music or podcasts without blocking out important ambient sounds like traffic or other cyclists, a key safety aspect. The audio quality is surprisingly good, making traditional headphones feel less necessary on rides.
The glasses also feature Meta’s AI assistant. While not perfect, it can be handy for quick questions about surroundings, like identifying a tree or the history of a building. This can add a layer of curiosity to rides without the deep distraction of a smartphone.
The main benefit is the consolidation of gear. Fewer devices mean less to charge, less clutter, and less to manage while trying to enjoy the ride. Meta seems to be onto this, reportedly developing a new generation of AI smart glasses with Oakley, specifically aimed at athletes.
However, the current Ray-Ban Meta glasses aren’t without flaws for cyclists. They weren’t designed with biking in mind, so they can sometimes slip down on bumpy rides. The thick frames can also occasionally obstruct the view when leaning forward on the bike.
App integration also has room for improvement. While basic functions like taking photos or pausing music work well, more complex tasks, like getting the AI to play specific Spotify playlists, can be hit-or-miss. Users would love to see better integrations with cycling apps like Strava or Garmin.
The AI assistant itself, a major selling point, was found to be less impressive than offerings from OpenAI or Google. Its voice can sound robotic, and its answers aren’t always reliable. A new live video AI feature, intended to let the AI “see” what you see, struggled with accuracy, misidentifying cars and plants.
Despite these issues, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses offer a glimpse into a more integrated and enjoyable cycling experience. With some key upgrades, especially in fit and AI capabilities, future versions could become an even more compelling accessory for bike rides.
